Mechanics Lean for services not paid for?

[Xenokilla]

I work in IT and I do some side work for companies here and there. I did a job in May for a company to replace some credit card machines in the stores of a large national retailer. I did 5 sites for them, they've paid on three of them but i still have 2 sites outstanding with the company. I've called them, emailed them, emailed the middle man that dispatches the job ect all in an effort to get the work paid for. No luck so far. What exactly are my legal options? Have a lawyer write them a threatening letter? a lien?

[raycyrx]

Show up one day at the sites not paid for and say you have some tidying up to do, and undo the work.

[Xenokilla]

Show up one day at the sites not paid for and say you have some tidying up to do, and undo the work.

I had thought of that, but that might get me into more trouble.

[bdcbbq]

I vote for having an attorney send a letter. Or you can send them a strongly worded letter indicating that if payment is not received by xxx date you will turn this over to collections.

Depending upon the amount you could try small claims court. If they don't show you can get a judgement from the court.

[raycyrx]

Show up one day at the sites not paid for and say you have some tidying up to do, and undo the work.

I had thought of that, but that might get me into more trouble.

What can they do?
They can't withhold payment.
They can't say they've paid you for services you haven't delivered.

Another alternative is to sue them in small claims court.
No lawyer fees.

[Xenokilla]

Show up one day at the sites not paid for and say you have some tidying up to do, and undo the work.

I had thought of that, but that might get me into more trouble.

What can they do?
They can't withhold payment.
They can't say they've paid you for services you haven't delivered.

Another alternative is to sue them in small claims court.
No lawyer fees.

Small claims court seems to be the way to go. I was thinking that walking into a cell phone store and removing the only credit card terminal might be considered theft.

[raycyrx]

It's only theft if it's their property.
If they haven't paid for it, it's not theirs.

[Xenokilla]

It's only theft if it's their property.
If they haven't paid for it, it's not theirs.

Kinda, its not my equipment, they didn't buy it from me, i was paid in install the new equipment and remove the old equipment, so its more a consulting fee then goods not paid for.

[st michael jr]

I'd leave it alone and sue them in small claims court.

[raycyrx]

It's only theft if it's their property.
If they haven't paid for it, it's not theirs.

Kinda, its not my equipment, they didn't buy it from me, i was paid in install the new equipment and remove the old equipment, so its more a consulting fee then goods not paid for.

Best bet seems to be SCC.

But continuing to think out loud about the hypothetical, since the equipment isn't yours taking it would be theft on some level. However, is there an 'uninstall' that could be done?